Delta Air Service Travel Air 6B Sedan
Unique Plane
Restored 1931 Curtiss-Wright 6B Sedan painted in International Orange and black of the earlier 1929 Travel Air S-6000-B. Tail number NC8878 celebrates the Travel Air that flew Delta’s first passengers on June 17, 1929. Curtiss-Wright acquired the Travel Air Manufacturing Co. in August 1929.
One of only four 6B Sedans still intact. Built in 1931, and carried executives of a pipeline company for the next decade. Fought fires in Montana for 31 years, from 1941-1972, hauling smoke jumpers and supplies.
Restoration
Delta Captain Doug Rounds completed initial restoration with family and friends from 1975 to 1983. Delta purchased the plane in 1985, and put it on display at headquarters in Atlanta.
Our aircraft restoration team made improvements in 1997-2000: replacing brakes; rebuilding engine; rewiring instrument panel; installing intercom system, Becker transponder and VHF transceiver. New carpet, leather sidewalls, ceiling panels and lighting gave interior a 1930’s vintage look.
Special Events
Flew to EAA's AirVenture in 2000. Awarded “Antique Transport Runner-Up” for excellent restoration.
Recreated Delta's first flight to celebrate 70th and 75th passenger service anniversaries in 1999 and 2004. Flew from Dallas-Love Field in Texas, to Jackson, Mississippi, with stops in Monroe and Shreveport, Louisiana.